This chapter has summarized and depicted the major elements of a number of
well-known and widely employed psychological, behavioral, and sociological
models of health-related decision making and action and has summarized some
of the major strategies advanced in the empirical literature for increasing adherence
and self-management. While further theoretical conceptualization and
empirical investigation regarding behavioral determinants of (and strategies
for influencing) patient health status are certainly still needed, the variables
identified and suggestions offered in this chapter provide the foundation for
programs that can be implemented by health care providers and public health
planners wishing to improve levels of patient cooperation and ability to use
health-related recommendations.